Notebook Size Guide: A5, B5, A6, A4 and A5+ Explained

Last updated: June 2026 | A practical guide to notebook sizes, including A5, A5+, B5, A6, A6+ Reporter, A4+, and how to choose the best notebook size for journaling, planning, work, study, travel, and creative projects

Choosing a notebook sounds simple until you start comparing sizes.

A5. A5+. A6. B5. A4+. Reporter format. Pocket size. Desk size. Travel size. Creative size.

Suddenly, the question is not just which notebook do I like?

It becomes:

Which notebook size will I actually use?

That is the part that matters most. The right notebook size can change how often you reach for it, how comfortably you write in it, how easily it fits into your bag, and whether it feels right for the kind of pages you want to create.

A notebook that is too small may feel limiting.
A notebook that is too large may stay on your desk and never leave the house.
A notebook that is just right becomes part of your day.

At Dingbats*, we design notebooks in different sizes because people use notebooks in different ways. Some need a compact notebook for thoughts on the go. Some want an everyday journal that feels portable but spacious. Some need room for planning, project notes, or creative work. Others want a larger format for sketching, mixed media, or visual thinking.

This guide explains the most common notebook sizes, what they are best for, and how to choose the right Dingbats* notebook for the way you write, plan, think, and create.

Quick Notebook Size Comparison

Size	Approx. Dimensions	Best For	Dingbats* Fit
A6	9.5 × 14.5 cm	Pocket notes, quick lists, travel, everyday carry	Wildlife Collection
A6+ Reporter	15.5 × 11 cm	On-the-go notes, interviews, field notes, lists	Wildlife Collection
A5+	15.5 × 21.5 cm	Journaling, notes, planning, everyday writing	Wildlife & Earth Collections
B5	17.6 × 24.8 cm	Creative work, larger notes, sketching, mixed media	Pro Collection
A4+	21.5 × 30 cm	Large creative pages, desk work, visual planning	Wildlife Collection

Dingbats* notebook sizes vary by collection, but these are the core formats you will commonly see across the range. 

Why Notebook Size Matters More Than You Think

Notebook size affects more than the way a notebook looks.

It changes how you use it.

A smaller notebook feels easy to carry, but you may write less per page. A larger notebook gives you space, but it may not feel as convenient for everyday use. A medium notebook is often the safest choice because it balances portability and writing room.

The right size depends on the way you use your notebook.

Do you write long journal entries?
Do you plan your week?
Do you take notes in meetings or classes?
Do you sketch?
Do you use fountain pens?
Do you travel with your notebook?
Do you want something for your desk or your bag?

A notebook should match your real life, not just your ideal routine.

A6 Notebook: Small, Portable, and Easy to Carry

An A6 notebook is one of the most portable notebook sizes.

It is small enough to carry in many bags and easy to use for quick notes, lists, reminders, travel observations, or thoughts you want to capture before they disappear.

At Dingbats*, A6 is listed at approximately 9.5 × 14.5 cm.

Best Uses for A6 Notebooks

Use	Why A6 Works
Quick notes	Easy to open and write in quickly
Travel notes	Small enough to carry while exploring
Lists	Great for shopping lists, packing lists, reminders
Daily thoughts	Useful for short reflections
Field notes	Portable for observations outside
Everyday carry	Less bulky than larger notebooks

An A6 notebook is best if you want something light, compact, and low-pressure.

It is not the best choice if you write long pages every day or need large layouts, but it is excellent for capturing small things as they happen.

Choose A6 if…

You want a notebook you can carry often, use casually, and open without feeling like you need to write a full page.

A6+ Reporter Notebook: Compact, Practical, and Great for Notes on the Go

The A6+ Reporter format is slightly different because of its shape.

At Dingbats*, the A6+ Reporter is listed at 15.5 × 11 cm. Its format makes it especially useful for quick notes, interviews, lists, field observations, and writing while moving through the day.

Best Uses for A6+ Reporter Notebooks

Use	Why A6+ Reporter Works
Interviews	Easy to hold and write in
Field notes	Practical for observations outside
Work notes	Useful for quick points and reminders
Travel logs	Compact but more open than standard A6
Shopping lists	Easy to carry and reference
On-the-go ideas	Good for fast capture

The reporter format has a different feel from a standard journal. It is more practical, quick, and mobile.

Choose A6+ Reporter if…

You want a notebook that feels functional, portable, and easy to use while standing, walking, working, travelling, or taking quick notes.

A5+ Notebook: The Everyday Notebook Size

If you are unsure which notebook size to choose, A5+ is often the safest and most versatile option.

It is large enough for journaling, planning, meeting notes, class notes, lists, reflections, and daily writing, but still compact enough to carry in most bags.

At Dingbats*, A5+ is listed at 15.5 × 21.5 cm.

Best Uses for A5+ Notebooks

Use	Why A5+ Works
Journaling	Enough room for longer thoughts
Planning	Good for weekly layouts and lists
Work notes	Spacious without feeling too large
Study notes	Comfortable for structured writing
Bullet journal-style pages	Enough page space for trackers and layouts
Everyday writing	Balanced size for daily use
Travel journaling	More spacious than A6 but still portable

The A5+ format is especially strong because it gives you slightly more space than standard A5 while remaining practical for everyday use.

Choose A5+ if…

You want one notebook that can do almost everything: journaling, planning, note-taking, lists, reflections, and everyday writing.

B5 Notebook: More Space for Ideas, Notes, and Creative Work

A B5 notebook is larger than A5 but smaller than A4, which makes it a strong choice for people who want more room without moving into a full desk-sized notebook.

B5 is listed at 17.6 × 24.8 cm. In the Dingbats* range, the Pro Collection is available in B5.

This size is especially useful for creative work, wider notes, sketching, planning, mind maps, moodboards, visual thinking, and mixed media pages.

Best Uses for B5 Notebooks

Use	Why B5 Works
Sketching	More room for drawing and visual ideas
Creative journaling	Spacious pages for layouts and mixed media
Project notes	More horizontal space for planning
Mind maps	Enough room for branches and connections
Visual thinking	Better for diagrams and layouts
Study notes	More writing room per page
Design concepts	Useful for moodboards and idea development

The Dingbats* Pro Collection is a strong B5 option because it uses 160gsm mixed media paper, making it ideal for sketching, collage, brush pens, markers, calligraphy, visual notes, light washes, and layered pages.

Choose B5 if…

You want more room than A5+ and plan to use your notebook for creative work, larger notes, layouts, sketches, or visual thinking.

A4+ Notebook: Big Pages for Big Ideas

An A4+ notebook gives you the most space.

At Dingbats*, A4+ is listed at 21.5 × 30 cm. This is a large format that works best when you want room to spread out.

It is not usually the most portable option, but it is excellent for desk work, project planning, large sketches, design notes, moodboards, study pages, and visual organization.

Best Uses for A4+ Notebooks

Use	Why A4+ Works
Desk notes	Lots of room for writing and structure
Large sketches	Better surface for bigger drawings
Project planning	Room for timelines, diagrams, and layouts
Study layouts	Useful for detailed notes
Creative pages	Space for collage, maps, and visual planning
Big-picture thinking	Good for seeing everything on one page

Choose A4+ if…

You want maximum page space and mostly use your notebook at a desk, studio, office, or study space.

A5 vs A5+: What Is the Difference?

Standard A5 is usually 14.8 × 21.0 cm. Dingbats* often uses A5+, which is slightly larger, listed at around 15.5 × 21.5 cm.

That small difference can feel more useful than it sounds.

A5+ gives you a little more room on the page while still keeping the notebook portable and familiar.

A5 vs A5+

Size	Approx. Dimensions	Feel
A5	14.8 × 21.0 cm	Classic everyday notebook size
A5+	15.5 × 21.5 cm	Slightly more spacious, still portable

Choose A5+ if…

You like the feel of an A5 notebook but want a little more writing space.

A5+ vs B5: Which One Should You Choose?

This is one of the most useful comparisons.

A5+ is better for everyday writing, journaling, planning, and carrying around.

B5 is better for people who want more space for notes, creative layouts, sketching, project planning, or visual work.

A5+ vs B5

Feature	A5+	B5
Portability	Easier to carry	Larger, more desk-friendly
Writing space	Good everyday space	More spacious
Best for	Journaling, planning, notes	Creative work, study notes, sketches
Bag-friendly	Yes	Depends on bag size
Layouts	Good	Better for larger layouts
Dingbats* fit	Wildlife & Earth	Pro Collection

Choose A5+ if…

You want a notebook for daily writing, planning, journaling, and general use.

Choose B5 if…

You want more room and plan to use your notebook for creative work, visual pages, or larger notes.

A6 vs A5+: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between A6 and A5+ comes down to portability versus space.

A6 is for quick, portable writing.
A5+ is for fuller pages and everyday use.

A6 vs A5+

Feature	A6	A5+
Portability	Very high	Good
Writing space	Limited	Comfortable
Best for	Quick notes, lists, travel	Journaling, planning, daily notes
Long writing	Less ideal	Better
Bag-friendly	Very easy	Still easy
Dingbats* fit	Wildlife	Wildlife & Earth

Choose A6 if…

You want something small for quick notes and everyday carry.

Choose A5+ if…

You want a notebook you can use for longer writing, planning, and more complete pages.

Best Notebook Size for Journaling

For journaling, A5+ is usually the best choice.

It gives enough room for full thoughts without feeling too large. You can write a short entry, a long reflection, a list, a gratitude page, or a daily recap comfortably.

The Dingbats* Wildlife Collection in A5+ is ideal for flexible journaling because it offers everyday writing space and comes in different rulings such as lined, dotted, grid, and plain, depending on availability.

Best Journaling Size

Journaling Style	Best Size
Long daily entries	A5+
Short reflections	A6 or A5+
Prompt journaling	A5+
Visual journaling	B5 (Pro Collection)
Travel journaling	A6, A6+ Reporter, or A5+

Best Notebook Size for Planning

For planning, A5+ and B5 are both strong options.

A5+ works well for weekly plans, to-do lists, goals, and habit trackers. B5 gives you more room for bigger layouts, project planning, or visual organization.

The Earth Collection is the best Dingbats* choice for structured planning because it is designed for organized pages, trackers, goals, routines, and bullet journal-style use.

Best Planning Size

Planning Need	Best Size
Weekly planning	A5+
Habit trackers	A5+
Project planning	A5+ or B5
Large visual planning	B5 or A4+
Portable planning	A6+ Reporter or A5+

Best Notebook Size for Work and Study Notes

For work and study, the best size depends on how much you write.

A5+ is excellent for meetings, daily notes, and structured study pages. B5 is better for longer notes, diagrams, mind maps, and subjects that need more space.

Best Work and Study Size

Use	Best Size
Meeting notes	A5+
Class notes	A5+ or B5
Mind maps	B5 or A4+
Project notes	A5+ or B5
Desk study notes	B5 or A4+
Quick work reminders	A6 or A6+ Reporter

If you often feel cramped on the page, move up to B5.

If you want something that travels easily between home, work, school, and cafés, A5+ is usually the better choice.

Best Notebook Size for Sketching and Creative Pages

For sketching and creative pages, size matters because visual ideas need room.

The B5 Pro Collection is especially useful because it offers more page space than A5+ and uses 160gsm mixed media paper.

Best Creative Size

Creative Use	Best Size
Sketching	B5 or A4+
Collage	B5 or A4+
Moodboards	B5 or A4+
Hand lettering	B5
Visual notes	B5
Mixed media	B5 Pro Collection
Quick doodles	A5+ or A6

Choose B5 if you want a balance between space and manageability. Choose A4+ if you want the largest surface for desk-based creative work.

Best Notebook Size for Travel

For travel, portability matters.

A6 is best for quick notes and compact travel writing. A6+ Reporter works well for field notes, lists, routes, and observations. A5+ is better if you want a fuller travel journal with daily entries, ticket pages, and more detailed memories.

Best Travel Size

Travel Use	Best Size
Quick notes	A6
Field notes	A6+ Reporter
Travel journal	A5+
Packing lists	A6+ Reporter or A5+
Sketching trips	B5 or A5+
Ticket and receipt pages	A5+ or Pro Collection

If you want one travel notebook, A5+ is the most versatile. If you want something small to carry everywhere, choose A6 or A6+ Reporter.

Best Notebook Size for Fountain Pen Users

Notebook size matters less than paper quality for fountain pen users, but size still affects comfort.

If you write long entries with a fountain pen, A5+ gives you comfortable room. If you sketch, letter, or use heavier creative tools, B5 Pro gives you more space and thicker 160gsm paper.

The Dingbats* Wildlife Collection uses 100gsm paper, while the Pro Collection uses 160gsm mixed media paper. Both are strong options depending on whether you are writing or creating.

Best Fountain Pen Use by Size

Use	Best Size
Daily fountain pen journaling	A5+
Portable fountain pen notes	A6
Long-form writing	A5+
Ink testing	B5 Pro
Creative lettering	B5 Pro
Visual pages	B5 Pro

Which Dingbats* Notebook Size Should You Choose?

If You Want…	Choose	Collection
A compact everyday notebook	A6	Wildlife
A quick note-taking format	A6+ Reporter	Wildlife
One notebook for almost everything	A5+	Wildlife or Earth
A structured planning notebook	A5+	Earth
A flexible journaling notebook	A5+	Wildlife
A creative mixed media notebook	B5	Pro
A larger desk notebook	A4+	Wildlife
More room than A5 without going huge	B5	Pro
Maximum page space	A4+	Wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best notebook size for everyday use?

A5+ is usually the best notebook size for everyday use because it balances writing space and portability. It is large enough for journaling, planning, and notes, but still easy to carry in most bags.

Is A5 or B5 better for journaling?

A5 or A5+ is usually better for journaling because it feels comfortable and portable. B5 is better if you want more space for creative journaling, sketches, large layouts, or visual pages.

Is A6 too small for journaling?

A6 is not too small for short journaling, quick thoughts, lists, or travel notes. However, if you write long entries, A5+ will usually feel more comfortable.

What is B5 notebook size good for?

B5 is good for creative work, sketching, study notes, mind maps, project planning, visual notes, and layouts that need more space than A5.

What is A5+ notebook size?

A5+ is slightly larger than standard A5. Dingbats* A5+ notebooks are listed at 15.5 × 21.5 cm, giving you a little more space while still feeling portable.

What size is the Dingbats* Pro Collection?

The Dingbats* Pro Collection is available in B5, listed at 17.6 × 24.8 cm. It uses 160gsm mixed media paper, making it ideal for sketching, collage, visual notes, and creative work.

What size notebook is best for travel?

A6 and A6+ Reporter are best for compact travel notes, while A5+ is better for fuller travel journaling. If you want to add sketches, tickets, or visual pages, A5+ or B5 may be more useful.

What size notebook is best for students?

A5+ is a strong size for everyday class notes because it is portable and comfortable. B5 is better for students who need more space for diagrams, longer notes, mind maps, or visual study layouts.

Our Verdict

The best notebook size is not always the biggest, smallest, or most popular one.

It is the size you will actually use.

If you want something compact and easy to carry, choose A6 or A6+ Reporter.
If you want one notebook for journaling, planning, notes, and everyday writing, choose A5+.
If you want more space for creativity, sketching, visual notes, or mixed media, choose B5.
If you want large desk pages for big ideas, choose A4+.

The right size should make the page feel inviting, check them out here.